Narratives and Representations of AI in Mainstream Journalism in Latin America and Spain

This study presents an inductive analysis of the narratives and representations of artificial intelligence in digital newspapers in five Latin American countries and Spain between 2022 and 2023. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was employed in the analysis of the textual corpus, with the support of automated and manual content analysis techniques. The comparative study reveals similarities, differences and unique characteristics among the digital newspapers analysed. The results demonstrate the prevalence of texts with limited news value, superficiality, curiosity and information about specific products. These are juxtaposed with news items addressing more profound and contemplative matters pertaining to AI, which are pervasive in discussions surrounding the centrality of the human being and quintessential human actions in which this technology is becoming increasingly embedded. The main findings indicate the need to cultivate specialised reporting, public discourse and literacy through quality journalism to accurately convey the benefits and risks associated with AI.